State Arts Alliance Hands Out Awards In Manhattan

FROM: Alliance of New York State Arts Organizations

CONTACT: Public Relations, Maya Israel 212-843-8003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE ALLIANCE OF NEW YORK STATE ARTS PRESENTS ITS AWARDS TO OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTORS TO THE ARTS, EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY AT ANNUAL FALL GALA
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Russell Simmons and Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, UBS Corporation, Light Work and Jon Faddis to be honored on Wednesday, November 15th

[New York, NY] - The Alliance of New York State Arts Organizations - a thirty-year old, non-profit New York service association for community based arts and cultural organizations - will present four awards for outstanding leadership and advocacy of the arts in New York State. The Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation led by hip hop mogul, Russell Simmons and his brother, the artist and co-founder of Def Poetry Jam, Danny Simmons; the trumpet virtuoso and arts advocacy leader, Jon Faddis; the wealth management company and major arts supporter, UBS Corporation and the not-for- profit art gallery, Light Work will all be recognized or their outstanding commitment and dedication to arts education, community service, advocacy and philanthropy.

This year's award ceremony and annual gala will be held at the Manhattan Penthouse on Fifth Avenue and Fourteenth Street, Wednesday, November 15th. Manhattan Borough President, Scott Stringer and the Executive Director of the Alliance, Judith Weiner will be on hand to give out the honors among others. The Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs for New York City, Kate Levin is expected to attend to show her support for the organization and the honorees. Stephanie Simon, the arts reporter for NY1 News, the 24-hour news cable channel will emcee the event.

Items including signed artwork by Frank Gehry and Peter Max, an autographed copy of Annie Leibowitz's new book, tickets to concerts and famous New York City attractions and a meeting with jazz great, Wynton Marsalis will be auctioned off during the evening. The program will conclude with a short performance by the jazz trumpet musician and honoree, Jon Faddis.

The Alliance of New York State Arts Organizations has a 30-year history providing leadership and vision and delivering services, resources and tools that strengthen cultural organizations. The organization also provides education on statewide and national issues affecting the arts and assists local arts agencies in building community support. Proceeds from the event will benefit the organization.

"It is essential for us to offer a network and resources for arts, education and cultural organizations so that New Yorkers and our children can benefit from the rich artistic treasures that we have to offer, " said Judith Kaufman Weiner, Executive Director of the Alliance of New York State Arts Organizations. "The honorees are all incredible examples of individuals and organizations that are inspiring and educating future generations of New Yorkers."

The Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation was founded in 1995 by brothers Russell, Danny and Joseph Simmons and is dedicated to providing disadvantaged urban youth with significant exposure and access to the arts, as well as providing exhibition opportunities to underrepresented artists and artists of color. While its primary emphasis is the arts, Rush Philanthropic is committed to the general well being of young people by considering a wide range of concerns.

UBS has a longstanding and ongoing commitment to the support of the arts and culture. UBS sponsors four exhibitions each year in The UBS Art Gallery, located in the lobby of its building at 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York City. Through its exhibition program, the Gallery offers non-profit New York-area arts and cultural organizations a midtown Manhattan exhibition space and the opportunity to introduce their programs to a new audience. The UBS Art Gallery enables many institutions to organize and mount exhibitions that might not otherwise be seen. These exhibitions encourage interest in the arts among the hundreds of employees, clients and members of the general public who pass through the UBS building each day.

Since 1973, Light Work has provided direct support to artists working in the mediums of photography and digital imaging through exhibitions, lectures, classes, artist residencies, publications and other related projects.

Jon Faddis embodies the best in the world of Jazz and the arts. A virtuoso musician, composer, conductor and educator, Faddis' commitment to the advancement of the arts, particularly for young people, is clear. Faddis leads master classes around the world; he is particularly committed to the role of public education, teaching each week at Purchase College-SUNY. His volunteer service and advocacy for the arts extends to championing a wide variety of organizations, including High 5 Tickets for the Arts, the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation and the Louis Armstrong House & Archives, WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM, the International Trumpet Guild, the International Association for Jazz Education, Veritas Therapeutic Community's Friends of Charlie Parker, the Jazz Foundation of America, the Commission Project, the Mandela Crew, and JazzLinks. Additionally, Faddis serves on NYSCA committees. In 2005, Faddis performed and spoke as the featured artist for New York's Arts Advocacy Day in Albany, New York.

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